Surface Cleaning Device

ABSTRACT

A surface cleaning device is an apparatus that is used to apply a cleaning solution to a sullied surface prior to cleaning the surface. The apparatus features a main hollow body with a first open end and a second open end. A fluid dispenser is mounted into the first open end and a removably attached cleaning pad holder is attached into the second open end. The holder comprises a plug and a base plate. The dispenser utilizes a user-actuated foam pump mechanism to dispense cleaning solution from the fluid dispenser. Cleaning solution may be poured into the main hollow body by removing the holder to expose the second open end. The holder features hook fasteners that are utilized to secure a cleaning pad in place. The cleaning pad is removably attachable to the hook fasteners and features two surfaces including an absorbent surface and an abrasive surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a device for applying solution to and cleaning a surface. More specifically, the present invention is a surface cleaning device that is utilized to apply cleaning solution directly to a sullied surface prior to cleaning the surface utilizing the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Carpet and rug spots and stains are common in both residential and commercial settings. These spots and stains are very unsightly and can disrupt the decor of an environment. The spots and stains are often difficult to remove as they cannot simply be wiped away using a rag due to the absorbent nature of carpets and rugs when compared to surfaces such as hardwood and tile floors. Additionally, due to this absorbency, a cleaning solution must often be applied prior to attempting to remove the spots and stains. In the absence of a dedicated device such as an electric-powered carpet cleaning machine, there is generally no convenient means of removing a spot or stain. In order to manually remove a spot or stain, it is required to position oneself onto one's hands and knees, apply cleaning solution to the spot or stain, and vigorously blot and/or rub the spot or stain. This can be both uncomfortable and time-consuming, particularly with difficult-to-remove spots and stains resulting from ink, blood, coffee, and grease, among others.

The present invention is a surface cleaning device that is utilized to remove spots and stains without requiring the user to place his or her body into an awkward and/or uncomfortable position. Prior to cleaning a blemished surface, the surface cleaning device is utilized to apply cleaning solution in foam form to the surface. The foaming action of the cleaning solution assists in carrying dirt and soil particles away from the surface, greatly facilitating the complete removal of the dirt and soil particles. The surface cleaning device may then be utilized to manually blot and/or rub the spots and stains present on the surface. The present invention provides a means of holding and applying cleaning solution as well as a means of cleaning a surface via a single device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main hollow body and the fluid dispenser of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective detail view of the fluid dispenser of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic overview of the fluid dispenser of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cleaning pad holder of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a perspective detail view of the plug and the second open end of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cleaning pad holder of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the cleaning pad of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective exploded view of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a surface cleaning device that is utilized to apply cleaning solution to a sullied surface and to manually clean the surface. The surface cleaning device and individual components of the surface cleaning device are shown in FIGS. 1-8. With reference to FIG. 1, the surface cleaning device comprises a main hollow body 1, a fluid dispenser 2, a cleaning pad holder 3, and a cleaning pad 4. The main hollow body 1 serves as a receptacle for cleaning solution and may be refilled as needed. The fluid dispenser 2 allows the cleaning solution to be applied to a sullied surface prior to cleaning. The cleaning pad 4 is removably attached to the cleaning pad holder 3. The present invention is primarily intended for use in removing difficult-to-remove spots and stains on surfaces such as, but not limited to, carpets and rugs.

Referring to FIG. 2, the main hollow body 1 is an elongated fluid container that houses cleaning solution. The main hollow body 1 comprises a first open end 11 and a second open end 12. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main hollow body 1 is tubular with the first open end 11 positioned opposite to the second open end 12. The extended reach provided by the elongated main hollow body 1 allows a user to clean a sullied surface while in a standing position without having to get down on his or her hands and knees in order to clean the surface. The fluid dispenser 2 is adjacently mounted into the first open end 11. Cleaning solution may be poured directly into the main hollow body 1 via the second open end 12. The cleaning pad holder 3 comprises a plug 31 and a base plate 33. The plug 31 is connected normal to the base plate 33 and is removably attached into the second open end 12. When attached into the second open end 12, the plug 31 forms a seal at the second open end 12 and prevents cleaning solution within the main hollow body 1 from leaking from the second open end 12. The main hollow body 1 further comprises a female threading 13 that is helically connected within the second open end 12.

The fluid dispenser is shown in FIG. 2A with a schematic overview of the fluid dispenser shown in FIG. 3. The fluid dispenser 2 allows the user to apply cleaning solution to a sullied surface prior to cleaning the surface. The fluid dispenser 2 comprises a nozzle end 21, a foam pump 22, and a fluid input end 23. The nozzle end 21 is positioned adjacent to the first open end 11 and is in fluid communication with the fluid input end 23 through the foam pump 22. The fluid input end 23 is in fluid communication with the main hollow body 1 in order to allow cleaning solution to flow from within the main hollow body 1 and into the fluid input end 23. In addition, the fluid input end 23 is hermetically connected into the first open end 11 of the main hollow body 1 in order to prevent leakage of the cleaning solution from the first open end 11. The cleaning solution may be routed through the foam pump 22 and converted into foam before being dispensed through the nozzle end 21. The foam pump 22 comprises a foaming chamber in which the cleaning solution is discharged through a mesh in order to convert the cleaning solution into foam form. The foaming chamber is divided into a liquid pumping chamber and an air pumping chamber. The pumped liquid and air are then both forced through the nozzle end 21. The foam pump 22 may be engaged by depressing the nozzle end 21 onto the surface to be cleaned. Upon being depressed, the nozzle end 21 actuates the foam pump 22 and the cleaning solution within the main hollow body 1 is dispensed in foam form through the nozzle end 21.

With reference to FIG. 4, the cleaning pad holder 3 further comprises a male threading 32 and a plurality of hook fasteners 34. The cleaning pad holder 3 secures the cleaning pad 4 in place while the user is cleaning a sullied surface and additionally ensures that cleaning solution from within the main hollow body 1 does not escape. The plug 31 is positioned centrally on the base plate 33. The male threading 32 is helically connected around the plug 31. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the male threading 32 and the female threading 13 are engaged to each other when attaching the cleaning pad holder 3 to the main hollow body 1. The male threading 32 and the female threading 13 are disengaged when detaching the cleaning pad holder 3 from the main hollow body 1 prior to refilling the main hollow body 1 with cleaning solution. This allows the user to unscrew the plug 31 from the main hollow body 1 in order to gain access to the second open end 12 as demonstrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 5A. Once cleaning solution has been poured into the second open end 12, the user may screw the plug 31 into the main hollow body 1 in order to form a seal to prevent the cleaning solution from leaking from the second open end 12. The cleaning pad 4 of the surface cleaning device is attachable to the cleaning pad holder 3. The plurality of hook fasteners 34 is connected onto the cleaning pad holder 3 opposite to the plug 31. The plurality of hook fasteners 34 is evenly distributed across the cleaning pad holder 3 as shown in FIG. 6 in order to securely hold the cleaning pad 4 in place.

The cleaning pad 4 is utilized to blot and/or rub spots or stains that are sullying a surface. Referring to FIG. 7, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning pad 4 comprises an absorbent surface 41 and an abrasive surface 42. The absorbent surface 41 and the abrasive surface 42 are positioned opposite to each other. The absorbent surface 41 functions in a similar manner to a sponge and may be utilized for lesser degree spots and stains while the abrasive surface 42 may be utilized for more problematic spots and stains. The user may select between the absorbent surface 41 and the abrasive surface 42 when removing a spot and/or stain from a surface. The cleaning pad 4 may be secured to the cleaning pad holder 3 by removably attaching the absorbent surface 41 to the plurality of hook fasteners 34. In this configuration, the cleaning pad 4 is positioned such that the abrasive surface 42 may be utilized during cleaning. Alternatively, the cleaning pad 4 may be secured to the cleaning pad holder 3 by removably attaching the abrasive surface 42 to the plurality of hook fasteners 34. In this configuration, the cleaning pad 4 is positioned such that the absorbent surface 41 may be utilized during cleaning. The user is able to selectively mount the cleaning pad 4 to the cleaning pad holder 3 based on his or her needs in spot or stain removal.

The present invention further comprises an annular grip 5. The annular grip 5 provides the user with leverage when the user is screwing or unscrewing the plug 31 into or out of the second open end 12. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the annular grip 5 is connected around the main hollow body 1 adjacent to the second open end 12 and serves as a grasping point to facilitate attachment and detachment of the plug 31 to and from the second open end 12. The annular grip 5 serves as a grasping point for increased leverage relative to the otherwise smooth exterior surface of the main hollow body 1.

The present invention further comprises an end cap 6. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the end cap 6 may be removably attached to the fluid dispenser 2. As shown in FIG. 8, when attached, the end cap 6 is enclosed over the nozzle end 21 and prevents the nozzle end 21 from being unintentionally depressed.

The object of the present invention is to facilitate the removal of spots and stains sullying a surface such as a carpet or rug. Prior to removing the spot or stain, the fluid dispenser 2 of the present invention is positioned over the surface to be cleaned. The nozzle end 21 is placed into contact with and pressed into the surface in order to depress the nozzle end 21 and allow cleaning solution within the main hollow body 1 to be converted into foam before being dispensed through the nozzle end 21 via the foam pump 22. The nozzle end 21 may then be removed from the surface and the main hollow body 1 flipped over such that the cleaning pad 4 is positioned over the surface with applied cleaning solution. The user may selectively mount the cleaning pad 4 to expose the absorbent surface 41 or the abrasive surface 42 based on the user's specific spot or stain removal requirements. The absorbent surface 41 or the abrasive surface 42 may then be placed into contact with the surface. The user is able to grasp the main hollow body 1 and manually press, scrub, or otherwise agitate the surface in order to blot and/or rub the surface to remove the spot or stain.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A surface cleaning device comprises: a main hollow body; a fluid dispenser; a cleaning pad holder; a cleaning pad; the main hollow body comprises a first open end and a second open end; the fluid dispenser being adjacently mounted into the first open end; the cleaning pad holder comprises a plug and a base plate; the plug being connected normal to the base plate; the plug being removably attached into the second open end; and the cleaning pad being removably attached across the base plate, opposite to the plug.
 2. The surface cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 further comprises: the fluid dispenser comprises a nozzle end, a foam pump, and a fluid input end; the nozzle end being adjacent to the first open end; the nozzle end being in fluid communication with the fluid input end through the foam pump; the fluid input end being in fluid communication with the main hollow body; and the fluid input end being hermetically connected into the first open end.
 3. The surface cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 further comprises: the main hollow body further comprises a female threading; and the female threading being helically connected within the second open end.
 4. The surface cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 further comprises: the cleaning pad holder further comprises a male threading and a plurality of hook fasteners; the plug being positioned centrally on the base plate; the male threading being helically connected around the plug; the plurality of hook fasteners being connected onto the cleaning pad holder opposite to the plug; and the plurality of hook fasteners being evenly distributed across the cleaning pad holder.
 5. The surface cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 further comprises: a male threading of the plug and a female threading of the main hollow body being removably engaged to each other.
 6. The surface cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 further comprises: the cleaning pad comprises an absorbent surface and an abrasive surface; the absorbent surface and the abrasive surface being positioned opposite to each other; and the absorbent surface being removably attached to a plurality of hook fasteners.
 7. The surface cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 further comprises: the cleaning pad comprises an absorbent surface and an abrasive surface; the absorbent surface and the abrasive surface being positioned opposite to each other; and the abrasive surface being removably attached to a plurality of hook fasteners.
 8. The surface cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 further comprises: an annular grip; and the annular grip being connected around the main hollow body adjacent to the second open end.
 9. The surface cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 further comprises: an end cap; the end cap being removably attached to the fluid dispenser; and the end cap being enclosed over the nozzle end.
 10. A surface cleaning device comprises: a main hollow body; a fluid dispenser; a cleaning pad holder; a cleaning pad; the main hollow body comprises a first open end and a second open end; the fluid dispenser comprises a nozzle end, a foam pump, and a fluid input end; the cleaning pad holder comprises a plug and abase plate; the fluid dispenser being adjacently mounted into the first open end; the plug being connected normal to the base plate; the plug being removably attached into the second open end; the cleaning pad being removably attached across the base plate, opposite to the plug; the nozzle end being adjacent to the first open end; the nozzle end being in fluid communication with the fluid input end through the foam pump; the fluid input end being in fluid communication with the main hollow body; and the fluid input end being hermetically connected into the first open end.
 11. The surface cleaning device as claimed in claim 10 further comprises: the main hollow body further comprises a female threading; and the female threading being helically connected within the second open end.
 12. The surface cleaning device as claimed in claim 10 further comprises: the cleaning pad holder further comprises a male threading and a plurality of hook fasteners; the plug being positioned centrally on the base plate; the male threading being helically connected around the plug; the plurality of hook fasteners being connected onto the cleaning pad holder, opposite to the plug; the plurality of hook fasteners being evenly distributed across the cleaning pad holder; and the male threading and a female threading of the main hollow body being removably engaged to each other.
 13. The surface cleaning device as claimed in claim 10 further comprises: the cleaning pad comprises an absorbent surface and an abrasive surface; the absorbent surface and the abrasive surface being positioned opposite to each other; and the absorbent surface being removably attached to a plurality of hook fasteners.
 14. The surface cleaning device as claimed in claim 10 further comprises: the cleaning pad comprises an absorbent surface and an abrasive surface; the absorbent surface and the abrasive surface being positioned opposite to each other; and the abrasive surface being removably attached to a plurality of hook fasteners.
 15. The surface cleaning device as claimed in claim 10 further comprises: an annular grip; an end cap; the annular grip being connected around the main hollow body adjacent to the second open end; the end cap being removably attached to the fluid dispenser; and the end cap being enclosed over the nozzle end.
 16. A surface cleaning device comprises: a main hollow body; a fluid dispenser; a cleaning pad holder; a cleaning pad; an annular grip; an end cap; the main hollow body comprises a first open end and a second open end; the fluid dispenser comprises a nozzle end, a foam pump, and a fluid input end; the cleaning pad holder comprises a plug and abase plate; the fluid dispenser being adjacently mounted into the first open end; the plug being connected normal to the base plate; the plug being removably attached into the second open end; and the cleaning pad being removably attached across the base plate, opposite to the plug. the nozzle end being adjacent to the first open end; the nozzle end being in fluid communication with the fluid input end through the foam pump; the fluid input end being in fluid communication with the main hollow body; the fluid input end being hermetically connected into the first open end; the annular grip being connected around the main hollow body adjacent to the second open end; the end cap being removably attached to the fluid dispenser; and the end cap being enclosed over the nozzle end.
 17. The surface cleaning device as claimed in claim 16 further comprises: the main hollow body further comprises a female threading; the cleaning pad holder further comprises a male threading and a plurality of hook fasteners; the female threading being helically connected within the second open end; the plug being positioned centrally on the base plate; the male threading being helically connected around the plug; the plurality of hook fasteners being connected onto the cleaning pad holder, opposite to the plug; the plurality of hook fasteners being evenly distributed across the cleaning pad holder; and the male threading and the female threading being removably engaged to each other.
 18. The surface cleaning device as claimed in claim 16 further comprises: the cleaning pad comprises an absorbent surface and an abrasive surface; the absorbent surface and the abrasive surface being positioned opposite to each other; and the absorbent surface being removably attached to a plurality of hook fasteners.
 19. The surface cleaning device as claimed in claim 16 further comprises: the cleaning pad comprises an absorbent surface and an abrasive surface; the absorbent surface and the abrasive surface being positioned opposite to each other; and the abrasive surface being removably attached to a plurality of hook fasteners. 